ABU DHABI, The Abu Dhabi Police have warned against begging
emails via WhatsApp and social media that ask for help in illegal ways.

Abu Dhabi Police explained that it is a crime and in violation
of the law. The scam is run by fraud gangs, targeting random members of
society.

The police asked people to ignore these fake requests, as a
reply would elicit a continuation in their messages. They were urged to report
the content to the competent police authorities which would take the necessary
measures.

The reasons for begging in general and their concentration in
Ramadan were attributed to the failure of some members of society to report
beggars, which would motivate them to continue with their illicit goals.
Electronic begging is similar to traditional begging, which includes
propitiating people by misleading methods and tricks, dramatic stories and
fabricated accounts to drain the victims ’savings by promising to provide
charitable aid to fictitious individuals and bodies, the police said.

They emphasised the continuation of their efforts to address
this scourge, through campaigns of inspection, awareness and arrests that have
contributed to reducing crime, eliminating behaviour that provides a negative
impression about society, and continuing their efforts in raising awareness
through social media and various media outlets in a way that contributes to
strengthening crime prevention and spreading tranquillity.

The Abu Dhabi Police asked members of the public who receive
such emails, to contact the Command and Control Centre 999 and safety service
at the toll-free number 8002626 (AMAN2626) or by text messages (2828) or via
email (aman@adpolice.gov.ae) or through the smart application of the General
Command of the Police Abu Dhabi.